The information sought is not available centrally. However, data on exclusions among children looked after by local authorities, up to year ending 2002 are in the table. As 'corporate parents' the local authority is responsible for ensuring the attendance at school of looked after children. The local education authority and social services must draw up a personal education plan for every looked after child. This should reflect the emotional and behavioural needs of the child as well as their achievements at school and provide a record of their attendance.

Number of children looked after at 30 September 2000 and 2001

who had been looked after for at least 12 months, and number of

permanent exclusions from school.

Number

Percentages1

2000

2001

2000

2001

Number of children looked after at

30 September who had been looked

after for at least twelve months

42,200

43,400

—

—

and of these:

Number eligible for full-time

schooling

33,100

33,800

—

—

and of these:

Number of permanent exclusions

from school2

490

450

1.5

1.3

1 Expressed as a percentage of the number eligible for full-time schooling

2 If a child was permanently excluded more than once in the previous school year, each occasion has been counted.